The Waitemata Police Commander Superintendent Bill Searle says although total recorded crime increased in the District in the past calendar year, the 'resolution' rate improved slightly in the same period.
Crime statistics released today show a 2.5% increase in recorded crime in the year to 31 December 2008 compared to previous year of 2007.
"Factors such as the population growth experienced in Waitemata in the past year influence the status of these figures. Overall it equates to a one per cent increase per head of population," he said.
"We resolved 52.5% of recorded offences in the past year which is up from the 52.2% recorded in 2007. This figure is well above the national average of 46.7% and demonstrates the commitment my staff holds to solving crimes within the District."
"Overall there are some types of offences that have increased and others that have decreased within the total volume of recorded crime."
"Recorded violence fell by more than 1% in the past calendar year. Compare this to the national increase of 5.2%. Any violence is too much, nonetheless in these times it is a satisfying result," Mr. Searle said
"Such a reduction has been driven by an 8% reduction in Intimidation and threats offences in the District, and this has accordingly offset an increase in Minor assaults. Burglary has the largest volume increase among dishonesty offences with an increase of 693 over the previous year 2007."
"We will be working hard, together with our partners and the community to improve these results. "One strategy successfully initiated in the past year is to increase our community policing teams, who have been more visible in malls and locations, where there is potential for a variety of crimes."
"The community at large can be reassured that this and other effective strategies will continue in the coming year. Public safety is always our priority," Superintendent Searle said.
ENDS:
Kevin Loughlin
Communications Manager
Waitemata Police District Headquarters | Takapuna North Shore City
Phone: +64 9 488 9758 | Mobile: 027 281 0271 | kevin.loughlin@police.govt.nz